Allen Encore 210 Combo

new kit bought in 2008. finished assembly 7/6/08. see reviews below...these guys seem to know what they are talking about.

ordered mine with eminence rajun cajun speakers based on reviews and sound samples.

output tubes 6L6 Tung Sol

I cannot believe the tone and open sound of this amp. The 2 10's and cab seems to fill any space with beautiful sound. even played at an outdoor gig and my band could not believe the sound of this amp outside.

great black-face fender type tone.

Sounds great with Les Pauls, Strats, and SG's. You could probably plug a potato in and it would sound good.

this amp is unbelievably quiet when not playing. my quietest amp by far...this amp could put noise gate pedal makers out of business

well, this one is up to me...I built it. Top quality American components were supplied so I'm not too worried about that.

10 is barely fair for this one. It should be about a gazillion-billion.

I finished my build Sunday morning of 4th of July weekend. Biased the tubes and all looked good. Plugged in the guitar and no sound at all. I e-mail'd David not expecting a response until at least Monday. I check'd my e-mail later and could not believe that he responded on Sunday. With a quick resistor swap I was firing it up and playing.

I can't say enough good things about this whole experience.

If it were stolen, I'd stab the jerk with the points on my '61 reissue SG and them knock 'em out with a Les Paul. Massive pain would need to be dispensed.

I love the amp so much, the others are not getting any attention. '59 bassman RI's, '65 TRRI, Genz Benz El Diablio Head

AMp is New. Assembled as Kit. One Channel with bright switch, volume, high, mid, bass, raw, reverb, reverb tone, vibrato speed, vibrato depth, main volume. Power switch and standby switch. Came with two Emminance Copperhead speakers and out can switch for 4 or 8 ohms. The amp can be equipt with two 6L6 power tubes for 35 watts output or with two 6V6 power tubes for 22 watts.

This is where the Allen Amps really shine. This amp has gobbs of tube sound. I have only been playing it for about one week and still have not found all the sweet sounds that are in there. You can go from crystal clear clean to all of the tube distortion and sustain that I care for. I don't play metal, but do like a smooth tube blues sound and this amp has it and them some.
A feature that not much is said about is the RAW and that is a shame. The raw feature seems to add some to distortion, but mostly it gives some sweet harmonics that are attenuated by the normal tone controls. I believe it bypasses some of the tone control range. It is not anything like a presence control.
With the guitar volumn turned down there is only the faintest tube hiss, hardly enough to notice and then only with the main volumn full open. I think this amp will be with me for a long long time.

This has to be a subjective answer since I am the one that built it. I will say that the instructions are very easy to follow and clear to understand for any one with some electrical background. Don't be afraid to try this as long as you are not a procrastinator and may put it away until you get around to it which may be never. This amp it too good to sit in a box on the shelf. You'll enjoy the build and love the amp.

David Allen has been great. He answered each of my emails promptly and is a super guy to deal with.

Playing 30+ years. Mostly on my own, some with small pickup groups. Also at Church. MOstly I have Tele's and ASAT's. Recently bought a nice Gibson SG with P90's and it sound awsom thru this amp.

I built this amp from the kit. It has neat features that you can use like tremolo, reverb with tone, and external bias jacks. There is no effects loop (I hate those and rarely use them), and no headphone jack. While I would use a headphone jack, I don't miss this feature at all.

It has two power tube sockets that you can put 6L6 or 6V6 tubes in. Mine has Eminence Ragun Cajun speakers that sound great. Unlike it's Vibrolux Reverb ancestor, it has a RAW control that brings more midrange and gain into the mix. It also only has one channel - another difference.

Instead of the obligatory mix of 12AT7 and 12AX7 preamp tubes that you see in Vibroluxes, all are 12AX7s. This is a nice touch. The cabinet is solid, finger-jointed pine.

Styles of music that it can handle range from country to slightly jazz to great vintage and somewhat hard rock. It likes all guitars.

This category is trouble. Not because it sounds bad, but because I can't begin to describe how awesome it sounds. First, he sent it with Tung Sol 12AX7 Reissue tubes. He told me his philosophy is to send what he feels are the best components. I am amazed at the sound from these tubes. Warm with plenty of bottom end and a great open soundstage.

Second, this amp sounds so vintage and warm. I can make it go fat and sustaining for leads or thin it up a bit for picking arpeggios. It responds great to any rhythm style I can throw at it. Articulation is fabulous - every note is clear.

Third, it can be loud or somewhat quiet. It has a master volume, but you can turn that up to 10 and just adjust the preamp volume control and it's like you don't have a master volume. If you're hung up on the "no master volume" concept, think again on this amp. You'll love the tone regardless.

Fourth, pick attack and angle makes a difference in the tone. Pickup type and guitar also make a great difference. I have an Ibanez Artist AR300 that really sounds smooth and tastey on this amp. But my Guild Starfire IV has sounds to die for here! My Strat and Tele both sound great as you would expect.

I built it, so I know how robust it is inside. Every component is solid and of the best quality. Switchcraft switches, Alpha pots, Switchcraft jacks, etc. I don't think I'll have to worry about it dying.

This is the best part - you can and will talk to Dave if you build this amp. If you buy it pre-made, you can still talk to him if you have questions. He will answer and he knows his stuff.

Best Fenderesque clone out there. I don't need to play others, this one exceeds my expectations.

The amp was delivered in kit form - the chassis and all internal components followed later by the cabinet, installed reverb tank and two 10" Eminence Copperhead speakers. I choose the black tolex with silver grill cloth, but there are other options available. Complete, step-by step instructions, a parts list to inventory the components, two color schematics - one showing how to populate the board, and the other showing the installation of the board into the chassis were included. Everything one who hasn't soldered or ever built an amp of this complexity before would ever need. And if this isn't enough, David Allen is always available to answer all rookie inquiries. The build started in Aug. and completed in Sept. Please see the 08-13-2005 review for additional features - my amp is the same. The only thing I can say is that this has everything I could ever want from an amp. I use the amp at home, or at friends and it is plenty loud.

There is a local music store that I have been to several times that has some Fender blackface and tweed amps. I asked one of the employees to demo a modified (BF'd) S/F Vibrolux Reverb. In my opinion, the Encore sounds as good if not better than the original. The cleans are exceptional and it doesn't seem to breakup as early as the S/F. I have never owned a Marshall amp, but the raw control on the Encore is said to drive you there. What I can say is that when used, this add - on feature brings on some dank nasty overdrive that outperforms any of the three Reissue Fenders (DRRI, SRRI, CVR)I have previously owned. I play mostly blues and dabble in country, jazz etc. and this amp can cover them all in spades regardless of the pickup configuration.

I built it, so we'll see how reliable it is. So far it lights up everytime I turn it on.

David Allen could give lessons to others about customer service. I have read other reviews that indicate how patient he is, and they are right on the money. This guy must be a grandfather of fourty - plus children. He responded to every inquiry in an expeditious and complete manner. He called me up one day because he was concerned that his e-mails were not getting to me fast enough. How's that? This build experience was so much fun that I orederd a Hot Fudge with Nuts kit after talking with David about Brown vs Blackface circuitry. I'll be posting there upon completion of the kit.

I have been playing (noodling)for about ten years - never in a band - probably never will be. I own a Eric Johnson Strat, ES135, ES335 and a few Telecasters. Amps include a Victoria Double Deluxe, Mesa Boogie F-50, Carr Hammerhead, and a 70 Silverface Princeton Reverb modified to blackface specs. If this Encore were stolen, I'd look for the guy while my new kit was being shipped. After looking on the internet for several months at other kits, and looking into having an amp built for me, I decided on the Allen kit based on conversations with David and the reviews here.

My Encore 2x10 was built from a kit in fall 2005. I opted for the Eminence Ragin Cajun speakers, which are a very good match with this amp, and the smaller "non-upgrade" TO35MT output transformer. This is the third Allen amp I've had, I also had an Old Flame (both 2x10 and 1x15 formats) and a Brown Sugar 1x15. I play guitar in a boomer-rock hobby band which plays parties and small clubs. I tend to want an amp to do Beatles rooftop concert sounds, mid-period Rolling Stones, classic 1960's and 1970's pop and rock sounds, and this amp delivers in spades. The raw control is useful for some people, though I personally tend to get gainy sounds by turning the master volume down to about 6 or 7 (on a scale of ten) and cranking the main volume, because I like to keep the tone shaping in and for what I play it sounds better. The tremolo is the deepest, richest, most controllable on any amp anywhere, period. If you don't use tremolo much now and you play one of these amps, you absolutely will use tremolo after that. The reverb has a tone knob in addition to the normal depth control, which darkens or brightens the wet sounds. There's actually too much reverb available in this thing, I can't imagine anyone who uses reverb ever turning the depth control above about 2 (on a scale of ten). The power level of this amp is perfect for someone who needs to gig in small to medium rooms with an amp that has more headroom for clean sounds than a Marshall 18 watt or Deluxe Reverb type amp, but it'll break up very nicely with judicious use of the master volume.

For my needs, this is clearly the best Allen amp made, by quite a bit. The Old Flame had a bigger output transformer and a slightly cleaner, tighter voice that is suitable for players who want that (you can also order this amp with the "upgrade" TO40MT output transformer if you want a tighter, cleaner amp), but my idea of a great amp is one that has sufficient headroom for cleanish sounds in a small club, but gets Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers through Exile on Main Street sounding breakup when needed. The Brown Sugar had a nice voice when cranked all the way up, very much a screaming Tweed-era sound, but I didn't personally like the clean sounds (too throaty for me). That's an amp for someone who wants an upgraded Tweed. The Encore is fabulous for shimmery clean with a three-dimensional quality as well as semidirty and crunch chords (think Rolling Stones Brown Sugar, for instance) and fine for singing leads as well, though it won't give you the roaring Marshall on 10 sounds. The combination of the smaller output transformer, the well-voiced speakers, and the master volume control on this amp give me clean sounds at gig volumes when needed (though not the bone-clean regardless of volume level clean that you get from a Fender Twin, for instance, but I don't want that). The sounds this amp makes are organic and real, it sounds like the best Blackface-era Fender ever (if you want the dirtier end of that spectrum available). I've played the thing with a 335 with Wagner Crossroads pickups, a Les Paul (with Fralin 8k & 9K pickups), an SG Classic with Lollar P-90's, a Clapton Strat and a Tele with Bardens, all sound great. The amp does not seem to prefer single coils over humbuckers.

Though I built this (I've built a lot of amps so I'm good at it) this is a very well-designed and sturdy amp that, most likely, will never break down at all until filter caps wear out in 15 years or so. I'll carry an extra set of tubes but I'd gig this thing without a backup.

Dave Allen is accessible by phone and email. He's very knowledgeable and generous with his knowledge and suggestions for tweaking to voice or adjust an amp to personal circumstances. No one gives better customer service.

If you're looking for a Blackface Fender sound in small-to-medium rooms with more (and very sweet) distortion on tap and a much better tremolo this is the best amp for you. I've owned and played nearly every amp there is, (this is for me the best Blackface Fender-voiced amp available), but I'd only use my other amps (Vox AC30HW, Ampeg VT40, 18watt/AC15 clone with an EF86 channel and an 18-watt tremolo channel) if I want a different voice. The size and weight of this thing make it perfect for gigging.

Based on a Vibrolux but with only one channel. Adds RAW control, master volume, and tone control for reverb. Includes tremolo based on power tube bias voltage oscillating method rather than the "roach" style oscillator. Includes high low inputs with bright switch. Adjustable bias with test points on the back of the chassis. Runs 6L6s but can use 6V6s as well with a bias adjustment (may also need to swap to 5Y3 rectifier tube from provided 5AR4 for 6V6s). Mine has 2 - 10" Eminence speakers.

I'm not sure what else you could ask for in a Fender style amp?

The amp sounds great with either single coils or humbuckers. It has the 3D depth of tone only found on high quality PTP hand wired amps. The amp is extremely quiet. No hum, no static, no pop, no hiss. With the RAW control off it overdrives like a Fender blackface amp. The RAW gets the amp into higher gain and nastier territory. The Eminence Ragin Cajun speakers are a great match for this amp and sound amazing.

By adjusting the master volume, volume, mid, and RAW controls you can come up with a wide variety of tones and drive.

I assembled the amp myself and because I have been through that process a number of times I am confident that this amp can last a lifetime with no worries. All components are top quality. I do not know of any amp manufacturer that has better components than used in the Allen amps. Comparing this amp to a Fender production line amp is like comparing a hot red Ferrari to a rusted out Toyota.

Ok. There is no one better out there that I have ever dealt with for customer service. Period.

This is the best Fender style amp I have ever owned. I have built the Accomplice and the Sweet Spot (V-18) and I can say that the Encore is my favorite so far. I also have a Brown Sugar kit on the way and am looking forward to being pleasantly surprised again by the quality and tone of Allen amps.

I'm impressed! This Allen Encore amplifier is solidly-built, impeccably finished, and sounds awesome!

This all-tube, point-to-point handwired amplifier was built in December 2002. I opted for the 2x10 version in the Cream Tolex w/ Cream knobs, Gold Sparkle grille cloth, and Brown Leather handle (?the very ?first? Encore in this combination!). I was just a little apprehensive about this color-combo because of the "chrome" faceplate, but the faceplate is sorta' brushed looking, doesn't have a bright glare, and really makes the amp look exquisite. I couldn't find a blemish on the entire amp.

It is a single channel configuration featuring high and low (-3dB) inputs; Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, RAW, Reverb mix and Tone, Tremolo Speed and Depth, and Master Volume controls; Standby and Main Power switches, and a Pilot-light (in your choice of color). The rear panel consists of the Fuse Holder, Bias Measurement jacks, 4 / 8 ohm selector, Main and Extension Speaker outputs, RCA-type Footswitch jacks for Reverb and Tremolo, and Reverb Tank In/Out jacks. The power layout consists of 5 - 12AX7 preamp tubes, 2 - 6L6 power tubes, and 1 - 5AR4 rectifier tube. An additional "spare" preamp tube is also included (located on the chassis bottom). As previously mentioned you can use a variety of power tubes with just a change of the rectifier and rebiasing.

The only other feature I wish the amp had, would be a footswitch to activate the RAW control -- though I suspect this feature as well as an Effects Loop would detract from the primary amp design of "providing the classic blackface American circuits from the golden age, which provide that proven tone and reliability in a brand new amp, with a few new modern features for today's demanding players." (Thus I actually rate this category as a "9.8")

This open-back design amplifier features the Allen C1045 speakers and optional 40 watt power transformer that provide plenty of power, a balanced "3D" sound, with a warm high end, and a well-defined/tight low end.

I currently have a Fender '62RI Stratocaster (with Kinman AVn-Traditional pickups), an American Series Stratocaster (FDP LE #50), a '76 Telecaster, a '75 Gibson L6S-Custom, a Reverend Hitman, a Yamaha SAS-1500 (...335 clone), and a Tacoma C2C Chief Acoustic/Electric guitar, and play everything from Jazz to Rock, R&B, Funk, Reggae, Pop, and Worldbeat. This amp has the ability to make each guitar sound unique. It's very easy to dial-in the ?sweet spot? for your guitar and produce the sound you desire. Each guitar sounds solid/big, and bright, with judicious mids, but without the ?ice pick? highs. The notes are well balanced and ring out with a "meatiness" to 'em that you can feel!

The amp is SO easy to use; the EQ controls are very interactive and cover a nice tonal range each. The Treble has a wide scope and can be used to brighten up the darkest pickups or toned down to add presence along with a softer attack. Engaging the Bright switch adds an impressive "airy" tone which allows for the classic Fender "Blackface" clean sound. The Mid is very subtle but effective and can make Single Coil pickups 'bark!? The Bass is remarkable! I rarely have turned it up pass "3" (10 o'clock -- and that's really too much), but did 'dime' it a couple of times to see how it held up. I'm pleased to say that the Allen speakers are an intricate part of this amp and seem to handle the power and tone requirements with ease. The bass was well focused and didn't begin to fart-out until extreme volumes from the amp and guitar (?hardly normal use). I don't imagine changing the speakers. The 8 ohm speakers are wired in parallel giving this amp a 4 ohm load (using the 8 ohm tap will add a slight edge to the tone).

You can set the amp so that you have maximum control of the "tone" from your guitar -- then control the amount of clean or overdrive, and your overall volume via the Volume, Master, and RAW controls. Dial the Master up all the way, take the RAW control out, and just tweak up the Volume, and you've got beautiful blackface clean. Run the Volume all the way up and the Master to level, with no RAW, and you've got nice early tube breakup. As you increase the RAW control knob, it slowly eliminates the tone controls effect while increasing the gain, and is very useful in altering the OD you get from just the Volume and Master. Click the RAW control on a notch or two and you start getting *Robben Ford* type singing sustain; click the RAW up halfway or more and you've got outrageous gainy overdrive like a great tweed or Marshall. A very versatile feature.

The amp is very quiet and background noise is only noticeable at extreme settings of the Master Volume, and even then there is "No" static or crackling noises.

The amplifier comes with a 1 year warranty, but the build quality, fit and finish, along with the many comments from other Allen Amp owners assures me that this amp will last for many years to come.

I "do" gig with this amp without a backup, but always bring extra tubes just in case.

(I'd actually rate this category a "10" but I have only had the amp a matter of months).

My whole experience with purchasing this amp leads me to believe (along with the other owners comments) that Allen Amps customer support is superb! When ordering David Allen was very patient and willing to discuss all aspects of the amp design to insure I ended up with the amp of my dreams. We communicated extensively via phone and email. And, the amp arrived far sooner than what I had expected -- a "major" delight!!!

I'm confident that the point-to-point design of this amp and schematics will facilitate easier repairs if ever necessary.

I have been playing for over 30 years, and have experience with many types of amplifiers, both tube-based and solid state. Additional amps I own include a MESA Boogie Nomad 100 2x12, Peavey Delta Blues 210 (with Jensen P10R's), and a Marshall AS50R Acoustic amp.

I got the Allen Encore because my last amp (a DRRI), although having a decent tone, pretty nice bass response, and a sweet OD when pushed, just didn't have enough headroom. And, it had to be too loud to sound its best. The Encore amp works superbly in filling my needs. The Master Volume control allows it to sound thick even at low levels. I find this amp more dynamic to pick attack as well, and, the ability to make all my guitars sound good is a bonus. I also A/B'd the amp with my Boogie Nomad 2x12, and at lower volumes the Allen just had more depth in tone and a fuller sound, especially the highs. The Nomad's tone seems to develop more as the volume increases, but the Encore maintains its 'beautiful' tone throughout and when at maximum volume, maintains its character with no coloration or harshness.

There is nothing I wish the amp had that would take away from my delight and enjoyment of owning it, nor anything I know of that would make me "hate" it; therefore I would definitely buy another one if it was lost or stolen.

It's somewhat difficult not to give a *raving* review about a new instrument that you have purchased, but I can honestly say that given my years of performing experience, and the many amps that I have owned; the sound and build quality of this amp, its very competitive pricing, and customer support, that this Allen Encore amplifier deserves a "10"!

I'm happy and actually honored to be able to present this review of amp-maker David Allen's latest and arguably "greatest"(so far) creation the "Encore" 2x10 combo.The amp I own is the first one (literally !)in this series. It was made in the Allen Shop within the last several months. Unlike many of Allen's other offerings it is NOT at this point of writing available in "Kit" form.
This one channel, Reverb, Tremelo and Master Volume equipped amp will satisfy the most disriminating of "tone searchers" out there. If your thing is Fender Black Face: Super Reverb, Vibrolux,Deluxe Reverb tones then look no further. This amp can actually capture those three types of tones pretty effortlessly--we're talking mid 60's put your beads and headband on era. Fener's "Golden Age" tones have been finally captured in one magnificent 2x10 combo. Forget "modelling" and digital hocus pocus. David Allen uses brilliant "tube circuitry" to accomplish this magical sounding slice of the 60's. It's been a llooonnng time since a duo of 6L6's sounded this good !
Or make that a pair of 6V6's--yup that's right with a quick switch of rectifier tubes to a 54UG from the supplied 5AR4 you get yourself a class A amp. The deed is easily done too because of the rear mounted "bias" probe jacks on the back panel enabling the use of a multimeter and turn of a knob to bias your own tubes ! Why didn't I think of that?
I've been a "blues" guy for about the last 35 years, but have spent the last 20 (as part of my mininstry) celebrating my faith with my guitar doing Praise and Worship. The Allen Encore's power output (35 watts with 6L6's--25 watts with 6V6's and 40 watts ( with transformer upgrade) that my amp has. Every time I fire this amp up I think--someday I gotta really understand the theory of amp power ratings because this one can get downright LOUD when you want it to. I can't think of many situations (bearing in mind the effeciency of todays PA systems) when you would ever, ever need anything louder than this amp.
The only feature I would add to this amp would be an effects loop, having said that, this amp sounds so gorgeous you may be tempted to leave those pedals home ! The "brown era" type tremelo and lush Reverb will make you want to relegate any of those types of "pedals" you use to spot on an "auction" page somewhere. Those effects on this amp are THAT good ! This amp can cover (and has already covered) any sizeof venue from small clubs to "miked" situation in larger venues.

I have put the Allen Encore through it's paces using a Fender 52ri Tele w/Barden Pickups, 2000 Fender Custom Shop "Player" Strat w/Kinman Avn Blues and an '86 Guild x-170 "Manhattan" with SD-1's. I cover multiple styles of music for what I am called on to do --from straight ahead Gospel Blues to R&B and even some Hip-Hop tossed in. I am also called on to play light Jazz tinged and Pop type music. This amp with judicious knob turning covers a whole lotta ground effortlessly ! I have not noticed any kind "Snap,Krackle,Pop" happening in this amp it is very quiet when on "idle" in the situations I've played in (various).
Clean tones are 'Sparkling' and steely to glassy and "classic" Fender BF with the Master Volume set at 10 and channel vol set to 2 on up. With use of the "Raw" knob you are able to effectivel take out the tone stack gradually by turning the knob clockwise till you are left with "raw electric guitar rage" ! That Raw knob does some great things to the tone ! Of coure you can fiddle with the Master and Channel Volumes to get any kind of "guitar mayhem" you want !
The 2-10 CTS Reconed Alnico speakers that this particular amp came with are just a very warm toned, round and full sounding type of speaker that alot of people are going to be really turned on to --they are just great. Think BF Vibrolux/Super Reverb. I can't wait to here from someone who orders an Encore with 4-10's --that's gotta be just a stupendous Super Reverb tone !
This amp is versatile to the max tonewise---no wonder this type of circuit design has stood the test of time so well-----want a high gain screamin amp---Go read a different review !--this ain't it.
Want something at home with Classic Rock, Blues, R&B and Jazz ? keep reading !

I invariably always use a back up amp but I'm sure I wouldn't be afraid to use this one on it's own. It is built like an Abrams Main Battle Tank ! I have had no difficulties whatsoever with this amp---ya know it's like the difference between a 56 chevy and a 96 chevey---the 56 has a simple design and less parts to go wrong with it ---the 96 needs a Specialist !!! gotta be plugged into a diagnostic 'puter somewhere---get out your wallet---Not the Allen amps --simple, classic design, simple classic tone,---simple repair if ever needed !

Warranties-I'm not worried about---everybody in the field of guitar amps is getting to understand a quality guy like David Allen puts out and stands behind his quality product. The one time I conversed with him he answered my question and provided a remedy within 2 days ! All of this with actual concern and a great attitude ! You other amp makers could learn something about "customer relations" from this guy.

I've been playing guitar for about 35 years and generally have been a Fender kinda guy over the years--I have owned Marshalls ,some modelling amps--Yucch ! and others.
I do use a Dighitech GNX2 multi effects at times(very light on the effects please} (great unit BTW)
All in all the tone is what drew me to this amp, having heard the Allen Old Flame I figured that David Allen's new Encore couldn't miss---I was right a truly wonderful tone combo--If I had it ripped off I'd replace it immediately. Or as soon as Dave could make me one !
I looked at a Bad Cat, a Rivera Quiana, a Marshall TSL (that was a mistake ) and a Kendrick and Victoria (Bassman type)---
The Allen is the "clearly superior" IMHO to any of those--for Fender lovin BF huggin tone lovers---two words for you---"get one" and two words for David Allen---"THANK YOU" !